The couple, who have a 35-year age gap, starred in the first episode of Bride and Prejudice as they appealed to Dehanna's grandfather for his blessing for the 24-year-old to marry John, 59.

Grandad Paul is only eight years older than John and viewers were quick to react within seconds of the programme starting.

Criticism for Dehenna's grandfather was quick to materialise as the show got underway. One viewer described Paul as "small minded" and called him "absolutely selfish" for his disapproval at his grandaughter's grand plans.

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She tweeted: "Look how upset Dee is. Her small minded grandfather is making out like his distaste for the wedding is about Dee but really it’s about him and his feelings! Absolutely selfish. If she’s happy put your own feelings aside. She’s 24 let her decide who to marry.

Jodie Portugal, also posting on Twitter, said they look like a "lovely couple".

"Who cares about the age gap. All that matters is that they love each other," she wrote.

And the support for the couple was almost unanimous. Viewer Matti Colley agreed with that sentiment. He said: "There may be a 35 year age gap between Dee and John but if they are happy together, all that matters is that they love one another."

Meanwhile, others say they would not have let their family member think twice about speaking at their wedding like Dehenna's grandad did.

Claire on Twitter said: "If I was in Dee’s position, asking a family member to make a speech at my wedding, in place of my father who is no longer with us, and they said they ‘have to sleep on it’ because of my partners AGE, they wouldn’t be attending let alone speaking!"

During the programme, Dehenna's grandad says he wanted to strangle John when he first learned of their relationship and said it would be more plausible of John was more like Mick Jagger or Rod Stewart.

On Twitter, Paul Evans agreed with Paul saying that if he was a famous name, the age gap wouldn't even be discussed. He said: "If John was rich, like a rock star or media/sports mogul, this wouldn't even get a mention."

Viewers were also full of praise for the 59-year-old veteran councillor, with several tounge-in-cheek comments supporting his taste in women.

One read: "John... you lucky sod!!" While another said: "John has done well."